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Has it really been 10 years since Mazda reinvented the classic British sports car? Ten years since igniting a roadster revival that’s still spawning new models? Yes, it has. And the fact that more than half a million Miatas have since hit the world’s highways proves the concept was indeed a good one. So Mazda is celebrating these milestones with a commemorative model dubbed-appropriately enough-the Miata 10th Anniversary Edition.

But while most such “special editions” amount to little more than not-so-special paint, floor mats, and maybe a decal or two, Mazda has gone the extra mile by making substantive hardware upgrades. The most significant is a new six-speed close-ratio transmission that really sweetens up the Miata’s already lively, communicative driving experience.

First gear is a bit shorter than that of the standard five-speed, and the rear-axle ratio is taller (3.91:1 versus 4.30:1). Fifth gear now becomes 1:1, with sixth being the overdrive. This allows closer ratio spacing between first and fourth, meaning less rpm drop-off as you’re going through the gears. Another benefit is slightly more relaxed cruising-rpm at 60 drops from about 3200 revs to an even 3000.

While the power output of the 1.8-liter DOHC four is certainly appropriate for a sporting roadster, you won’t confuse its torque curve with a Viper’s either. So the new tranny really helps make the most of what the engine has to offer. You’ll be shifting more, but that’s okay: The Miata’s stubby gear change is quicker and slicker than ever, so rowing the box is part of the fun. Performance from 0 to 60 mph improves 0.4 seconds over the five-speed version.

Mazda raided its own parts bin and poured the best of it into its Miata birthday cake. The suspension tuning, adjustable strut tower brace, Torsen limited-slip differential, and high-pressure gas-charged Bilstein shocks come from the Sport suspension option; Michelin Pilots over polished 15-inch alloys complete the handling hardware. The Appearance Package’s front air dam, side sills, and rear mud guards also are standard.

The entire ensemble is done up in an eye-and light-catching Sapphire blue-and-black color combination. Seating comfort is enhanced via grippy-and-breathable faux suede inserts, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are Nardi designer pieces. Chrome bezels highlight the speedo and tach, and all the gauges sport red needles. Blue is also the color of choice for the top and tonneau cover. Don’t forget the obligatory special floor mats and a build-sequence number badge on the left front fender.

No British roadster of the ’50s or ’60s ever packed as much into a proper sports car interior as does the Miata. Particularly impressive is how Mazda manages to squeeze a powerful, crisp-sounding Bose audio system (with both CD and cassette players) and logically laid out, easy-to-use heating and air conditioning controls-into an area on the console that’s only about two-thirds the size of this page.

No other major enhancements were required, as the Miata was redesigned-and substantially improved in just about every way-last year, as a ’99 model. Final pricing has also yet to be announced, though expect it to be about double that of the original ’90 Miata’s $13,000 range. For now, you can only get the six-speed on the Anniversary model; Mazda is being coy about when it will be made standard or optional on other Miatas. So if you want one, don’t dawdle: There’ll only be 7500 10th Anniversary Edition Miatas built, just 3000 of which are earmarked for the U.S. market.

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1999 Mazda Miata News and Reviews

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